Cardiovascular toxicity from the perspective of oxidative stress, electron transfer, and prevention by antioxidants.

Department of Chemistry, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182-1030, USA. pkovacic@sundown.sdsu.edu

Abstract

This review demonstrates that oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species, and electron transfer can serve as unifying mechanistic themes for large numbers of cardiovascular toxins, both endogenous and exogenous. Lipid peroxidation is a prevalent insult. Common among the various conditions are atherosclerosis and arrhythmia. The preventive effects of antioxidants are documented.